How Do You Change Your Name in Colorado?

The Colorado rule in one table

What makes Colorado different

Colorado is the checks-first state: in Texas and Florida the background check happens after filing, but in Colorado the CBI and FBI reports are the first exhibit to the petition itself — and they expire. Yes — fingerprint-based criminal history checks from both the CBI and the FBI, dated within 90 days before filing, attached as the first exhibit. File more than 90 days after the checks and you do them again.

Publication is the second Colorado distinction: it is the shortest newspaper run in this set (three times within 21 days, versus California's four weeks), and the waiver is not discretionary in the two cases that matter most — if you are a victim of child or domestic abuse, or changing your name to conform with your gender identity, the court must waive publication. Ask for the waiver in the petition itself, at question 9.

The process, step by step

1. Get the background checks first. Yes — fingerprint-based criminal history checks from both the CBI and the FBI, dated within 90 days before filing, attached as the first exhibit. Add certified dispositions for anything the reports miss, as the second exhibit.
2. Complete and sign the petition. County Court for most filers; District Court also has jurisdiction, under C.R.S. § 13-15-101. Use form JDF 433, and sign it in front of a court clerk or notary. If you qualify for a mandatory publication waiver, request it in the petition at question 9.
3. File and pay. The fee is $98 in County Court or $268 in District Court, with fee waivers on forms JDF 205/206. Confirm which court your county routes name changes through before you pay, since the fee differs by court.
4. Publish unless waived. Yes, unless the court waives it — the public notice (JDF 427) must run at least three times within 21 days of the publication order (JDF 426). File proof of publication before the decree issues; most cases are decided on the papers, though some counties hold a short hearing.
5. Get certified copies of the decree. Order several certified copies of the Final Decree (JDF 448), then update your Social Security record first — the DMV verifies against it — followed by your Colorado driver license or ID, passport, and other accounts.

Comparing states — because the state across the border plays by different rules — the Name Change Laws by State directory puts all seven side by side.

Changing your name in another state

Changing your name in another state? See How to Change Your Name in California and How to Change Your Name in Texas.

Source

Fees, forms, background checks, and publication rules on this page come from the Colorado Judicial Branch form set as summarized in current filing guides: Colorado Adult Name Change filing overview (JDF 433/426/427/448), Colorado name change process and costs. Facts verified 2026-10-24.

This page explains how the process works and what the official rules say. It is general information, not legal advice — for a dispute about your specific situation, talk to a lawyer or your state court.